2018 Tesla Model S brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 22, 2026CACrashTowedBrakesAcceleration & Cruise Control

   I pulled my Tesla Model S in a parking lot, and as I turned the car into a parking spot, the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb next to the parking lot and hit a tree. The car speed when I pulled into the parking lot and then into a parking spot was very low. so I was very surprised and startled to see the car suddenly on its own accelerating and jumping the curb.

   NHTSA complaint #11739421 · source
2. Filed Dec 11, 2025CAAirbagsBrakesSteering

   My 2018 Tesla Model S has a recurring safety-critical defect involving the steering system and the Chassis CAN communication network. On October 20, 2025, the vehicle had to be towed to a Tesla Service Center because it would not power on and displayed multiple safety alerts (traction control disabled, stability control disabled, ABS disabled, and reduced steering assist). Tesla documented that the steering rack was “bringing down the Chassis CAN” and stated the issue might…

   NHTSA complaint #11704380 · source
3. Filed Aug 30, 2025GACrash2 injuredTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   On [XXX], my 2018 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) experienced a complete brake system failure while in motion. The brake pedal was pressed multiple times, but the vehicle did not stop, resulting in a collision. The emergency brake also failed to engage. 1. Component/System Failure: The braking system, including both the standard hydraulic brakes and the electronic emergency brake, failed to operate. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: This put my…

   NHTSA complaint #11684048 · source
4. Filed Dec 27, 2024CAFireBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   •I’m not sure what component was responsble for either the braking issue or the fire. It is available for inspection. •When driving the brake pedal had a frightening delay that almost caused 2 accidents and unfortunately my car was charging on the 24th of October which could have something to do with arching that led to my garage catching fire rendering the car unable to move or turn on after the incident. I’ve insisted Tesla insurance to look into possible causes because…

   NHTSA complaint #11632733 · source
5. Filed Oct 14, 2024CAAirbagsBrakesOther / Unknown

   I pulled into a driveway on a one lane road (due to construction) to allow a car traveling downhill to pass so they would not have to back up. I had come to a complete stop in the driveway with the car in drive. As I started to put the car in reverse it surged forward at a high rate of speed crashing into my neighbor's garage, tearing the door completely down pushing the door into the garage and my car entering the garage at least 15 feet hitting the car that was parked…

   NHTSA complaint #11619723 · source
6. Filed Aug 12, 2024CABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   My car was left on the driveway for a weekend where I was out of town. Upon returning, as I got into the vehicle and started reversing to get out of my driveway; several alerts popped up on my car. The alerts included "Steering assist reduced", "Stability control disabled", "Automatic emergency braking unavailable" and lastly, "Parking brake Fault." Immediately the power steering was gone and it took several pounds of force to turn the steering wheel even a little bit. Then,…

   NHTSA complaint #11607935 · source
7. Filed Jul 25, 2023NCBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   I was using the Enhanced Cruise Control and the car just slammed on brakes out of nowhere. There was not any cars ahead or beside me at the time. This has happened about 5-6 times since I purchased the vehicle on March 10, 2023

   NHTSA complaint #11534345 · source
8. Filed Mar 19, 2023COBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   On March 17, 2023 at approximately 4:00 pm MT, I was traveling at approximately 75 MPH with adaptive cruise control and auto pilot engaged when the car suddenly applied brakes with no obstruction ahead or behind or on the side. The car quickly slowed down to approximately 55 MPH, released the brakes and began to accelerate back to the speed limit of 75 MPH.

   NHTSA complaint #11512646 · source
9. Filed Dec 16, 2022CABrakes

   I was travelling on the highway at high speeds when the traffic suddenly comes to a halt. My tires were screeching without any signs of ABS kicking in whatsoever. My car slid 20-30 feet since i braked.

   NHTSA complaint #11497797 · source
10. Filed Nov 10, 2022NMBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Apparent software issue with Adaptive Cruise Control causing unexpected hard braking at highway speeds. Random hard braking occurs on open road when road is clear, flat, and no other vehicles nearby. Narrowly avoided being 'rear-ended' during several occurrences by car behind. I drove the car this week on a two day road trip from Palm Springs to Santa Fe and this issue must have occurred 18-20 times during the 750 mile trip. I also tried using difference settings and nothing…

    NHTSA complaint #11493005 · source
11. Filed Jun 29, 2022TXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    I experienced multiple incidences with phantom breaking today. Multiple times per hour of driving (average of 5 times per hour on a ling 10 hour drive) Events occurred on open highways/freeways with no other vehicles or objects around. Thankfully. But these incidences could have lead to a crash if other vehicles were following closely.

    NHTSA complaint #11471637 · source
12. Filed Jun 7, 2022NJBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    The car brakes when it is on Adaptive Cruise Control mode. The braking happens for no reason. It happens when the car is approaching an overpass. I have to take control of the car immediately.

    NHTSA complaint #11468030 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology